Neuromuscular Treatment vs Braces for TMJ - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Smappy · 04-06-2006, 10:21 PM

Hello,

I have TMJ and although it may not be as bad as some of the post here I have decided to go forward with getting this corrected. I have two issues, a severly deep bite and a gummy smile. I was expecting to wear braces but the doctor recommended something call Neuromuscular treatment. I have never heard nor seen this method before. I am a bit cautious since it will cost $5k. But since this is a short term treatment and unlike braces will be mostly unnoticed I am somewhat excited at my option. But at the same time, this method does seem pricey for what the end result will actually be. After this process I will still need veneers to cover up my top front teeth. And I think they will have to get rid (sculpt) my gums.

Has anyone heard of this proceedure? Does it work? Good? Bad? Medical break-through rip-off?

Thanks,

Smappy

Thelma-Louise · 04-08-2006, 11:29 PM

My dentist is supposedly a neuromuscular dentist - the theory being that the teeth need to be positioned in a way to improve alignment of the jaw with the facial muscles so a the jaw can attain a relaxed position. Is ie going to reposition your teeth or change your bite?

I have heard of cosmetic procedures that shorten the appearance of the gum line through oral surgeryand often require capping, bonding or veneers to cover the teeth and improve their appearance of alignment. But this is not a tmj treatment.

If you have tmj pain, take care of that first then you can spend your $s to improve the appearance of your smile.

The first "tmj specialist" I went to talked me into crowning all my back teeth that had huge old fillings saying it would stop the pain. It was hogwash and he was just after big bucks.

GoodThings · 04-13-2006, 06:55 PM

Hello,
i believe these two treatments are very similar. The end result of both is that your joints will be near the "Gelb 4/7." I have no experience with neuromuscular treatment. But what i've read suggests that they both are similar. Check Dr. henry shimbashi and his "Golden Shimbashi." That joint position, to me, seems like the "Gelb 4/7."
If you're going towards the braces route, seek someone with experience in FJO. That's the use of splint to move your jaw and thus joints to the "Gelb 4/7." Traditional ortho will not help you very much. They can actually hurt you more. There was a thread here that suggested that those people that went thru traditional ortho and had their bicupids removed had tmj problems. So seek an FJO dentist. But make sure as part of your diagnosis, the dentist takes a xray of your joints. Something similar to a tomogram will do. That's very important.

good luck,
GT

Smappy · 04-17-2006, 11:48 PM

Wow, thanks guys, I will check both. The curent dentist did not recommend braces since my teeth are small and enamel almost gone. So that is why he suggested getting the neuro done, then build all my back teeth up then take care of the front after. I am concerned about spending money when not necessary and especially if it is not going to help me. I don't have a lot of pain in my jaw. I hear the occasional clicking and popping and also get the occasional head-aches. I am also worried on going through all of this and not really improving anything or making things worse.

Thanks agian.

Smappy